New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently held an important briefing for Central Observers, who will be deployed for the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar along with several bye-elections in various states.
ECI Briefs Observers for Bihar and Bye-elections
On October 3, 2025, at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi, the Election Commission convened a large-scale meeting, gathering 425 officers that included 287 IAS officers, 58 IPS officers, and 80 officers from other central services. The session was officially conducted at IIIDEM, New Delhi, and was led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Shri Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi.
Observers Called "Beacons of Democracy"
During the session, CEC Gyanesh Kumar described the Central Observers as "beacons of democracy" and stressed the critical role they play as the eyes and ears of the Commission. Observers were reminded to rigorously adhere to all election laws, rules, and guidelines, to provide on-ground feedback, and to maintain impartiality throughout their duties.
Direct Engagement and Voter Convenience
The briefing underlined the obligation of Observers to be thoroughly accessible to parties, candidates, and voters for effective grievance redressal. Officials were further instructed to visit polling stations and ensure that new voter convenience initiatives are fully implemented.
Constitutional Mandate and Powers
The ECI appoints Central Observers under the authority granted by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. This enables the Commission to ensure free, fair, and efficient conduct of elections—key to the democratic process.
This latest briefing showcases the ECI’s ongoing commitment to transparency, fairness, and the effective management of the nation’s electoral process.